Christmas in the Villages returns Nov. 30

After putting away the leftovers and sleeping off the tryptophan hangover, it's time to starting thinking about the holidays.

More importantly, it's time to think about holiday shopping.

Local businesses throughout downtown Hamilton invite one and all to consider their wares during their annual Christmas in the Villages celebration.

This annual holiday celebration takes place from Thursday, Nov. 30, to Saturday, Dec. 2, with a majority of the fun taking place Thursday night.

Shoppers should be sure to check out the shops of 300 Main, Bay Road, Hamilton Crossing, and Railroad Avenue from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the town's annual "shopping stroll." Enjoy festive decorations, holiday treats and edibles, as well as caroling from the Harmony Group, former HWRHS graduates, and the Solstice Singers.

All the while, shoppers can check off a list of stores they've visited on their "passport." Visit every store on the list for a chance to win an iPad Mini. Passports must be returned to Timeless Interiors & Gifts, 51 Railroad Ave., Hamilton by Monday, Dec. 4.

Passports will be available at all 21 participating shops and other locations throughout Hamilton. Although the holiday fun will be in full blast on Thursday, shoppers are welcome to drop by anytime at participating shops over the weekend to complete their passport.

But the shops aren't the only group getting into the festive spirit that evening. The Community House, 284 Bay Road, will also be offering visits with Santa, caroling, cookies, as well a lighting of the Patton Park gazebo and the downtown Christmas tree.

"We want the community to come together and shop local," said Martha Gardner, of Timeless Interiors & Gifts, noting the event has run for almost a decade. "People in the towns really enjoy it. It kicks off the holiday season for us."